Record-Breaking Night Brings Out Brees' Emotional Side

Oct 9, 2018

(AP) Drew Brees used one hand to hold his helmet andthe other to wipe away tears.

It was the first time the 39-year-old Brees had ever walked off ofa football field knowing that he had thrown for more yards than anyquarterback in the history of the NFL. And theSaints quarterbackcouldn't help but be overwhelmed by thoughts of all the work andpeople who helped him get to such an esteemed point.

''I broke down and cried a bunch of times this week, just thinkingabout so many things,'' Brees said after his latestNFL-record-setting performance in a 43-19 victory over theWashington Redskins on Monday night. ''I think about all the peoplewho have influenced my life in such a powerful way, and there wereso many of those people that were here tonight, that witnessedthis, so many people that I spoke to this week that are a part ofthis, and so many other still that I have yet to have a chance toreach out to.

''Two of the people who had biggest influence on my football careercertainly and on who I am, growing up, are my mom and mygrandfather and they're in heaven. They're no longer here, but Iknow that they would be proud,'' Brees added.

The 6-foot Brees was lightly recruited out of high school inAustin, Texas, considered undersized for a quarterback at the majorcollege and pro levels. He led Purdue to the Rose Bowl and was aHeisman Trophy finalist, but no NFL team picked him in the firstround of the 2001 draft. Brees' first team, the Chargers, discardedhim after a shoulder injury in 2005, setting the stage for hisarrival in New Orleans and his emergence as one of the mostprolific quarterbacks ever.

His latest outing would have been memorable even if no records werein play. He completed 26 of 29 passes for 363 yards and three TDs.His second touchdown was a 62-yarder to rookie Tre'Quan Smith thatput Brees ahead of Peyton Manning's previous all-time mark of71,940 yards.

Moments after that touchdown, the NFL halted the game for aboutthree minutes so the ball could be handed over to Pro Football Hallof Fame officials. Brees was able to embrace his family and coachSean Payton on the sideline.

''It's a beautiful thing, a beautiful experience for all of us,''said Saint left tackle Terron Armstead, the first teammate to hugBrees after the record-setting completion to Smith. ''The energy inthe stadium at that time, I thought he was going to cry, really.He's a tough dude, he probably didn't want to show that side. Butit was an amazing experience.''

Some other things to know about theSaints' victory over Washington:

RISING ROOKIE

Smith is a third-round draft choice out of Central Florida who, inhis fifth NFL game, became immortalized for his role in Brees'record-breaking night.

''Now I get to go down in history with somebody famous in (future)Hall of Famer Drew Brees,'' Smith said. ''I'm glad it happened tome.''

And Brees is glad to see Smith emerging into the player he showedsigns of becoming in training camp. Smith finished with threecatches for 111 yards and two touchdowns.

''This kid could really help us, could really be a big part of ouroffense,'' Brees said.

NON-STAR TREATMENT

Cornerback Josh Norman is supposed to be the centerpiece for aRedskins defense that had allowed the fewest passing yards in theNFL entering the game against theSaints, but he struggled just as much as the rest of the secondary as Drew Brees threw for 250 yards in the first half.

Coach Jay Gruden even benched Norman for the first series of thesecond half, but the move backfired when his replacement, GregStroman, was beaten for an easy touchdown by Smith. Norman returnedon the next series.

INGRAM'S BACK

Mark Ingram wasted little time putting his imprint on his firstgame back from a four-game suspension for use of a bannedsubstance. He scored two of theSaints first three touchdowns onshort runs and finished with 53 yards rushing and 20 receiving.

''Just an exciting moment just being back with my teammates,''Ingram said. ''Just a lot of pent-up emotion, being away from myguys, being able to come back out here. I don't take anything aboutthis game for granted.''

PETERING OUT

Veteran running back Adrian Peterson was looking resurgent cominginto a game against the team that traded him away early last season.

He left the Superdome with a shoulder strain and was scheduled foran MRI.

Before his injury, Peterson gained 36 yards on two catches out ofthe backfield, but had only 6 yards rushing on four carries.